Simple Truth

There is a hope that almost everyone lives with in their soul: it is the hope that we can experience mutual love.  Mankind has spent great energy towards this end. Think of all of the songs that have been sung, poems that have been penned, and books that have been written about love.  To this end, the fact that we have expended so much energy in this endeavor is evidence that we were created to be loved and to love.  Most of us understand the phrase, "a mother's love," as the  depiction of a tender, unconditional affection. 

One of my greatest loves is the love I have for my daughter, her husband, and their two children: my grandchildren. This ever changing, ever deepening, ever evolving love is a wonder to behold. 

An important component to showing love is the physical action involved in that expression. My myotonic dystrophy limits the physical interactions I can have with my grandchildren. The adults understand when I am limited in my abilities.  But, how can children understand?  It breaks my heart.  And in the breaking, a new love is released: a love of encouragement and facilitation. 

Without the necessary sadness and pain, my evolution may not have occurred.  Think about it: love of another can be the catalyst to new discoveries. In the sacrifice of self, you find yourself. 

SOLID GROUND

The struggle to remain connected is a familiar battle. At these times, I feel as if I am an alien visitor to this planet. Despair clouds my vision and I find myself in a swampy land. My feet are covered with muck and with every step I hear,  "SLOOP," as my feet squish through the mud. My forward motion is stymied by the dirty water. Peering through the fog and keeping my eye on the dim light before, me I hope that my next step finds dry land.

I wonder, "Will I survive today?  Can I find my footing?"

Then, I feel tender arms surround me and I am lifted up.  The light is blinding, I close my eyes. Feeling the gentle carpet of grass under my feet, I open my eyes. Looking around, I see that You have, once again, saved me from myself. I am back in the Garden. 

JUST WHEN I NEEDED YOU MOST

Through the lonely times, when evening comes, and all my dreams seem to fade, there you are.  Standing in the shadow, your presence surrounds me.  The darkness dims as your light shines through.  Just when I needed you most, your love sustained me.

You were there, unexpectedly.  My eyes were cloudy and my heart was weak, but your arms enclosed me and I felt safe, again.  There are so many of you.  It is astonishing to me.  Unmerited gifts of souls who are unafraid to love.  Just when I needed you most, your love sustained me.

From near and far, your love pierces my heart and feeds my spirit.  My road is rocky and treacherous.  Often, I stand at the precipice feeling dizzy with desire, longing with hope to walk, run, or fly.  Your love keeps me grounded, helping me to bridge the gap from today to tomorrow.  You help me avoid the pit of despair.   Just when I need you most, your love sustains me.




   "Requiem for a Soul"
oil painting by Rose Wolfe